Ulster's new recruit struck with long-term injury

Ulster's new front row recruit Gareth Milasinovich has been dealt a cruel blow ahead of the new season after he suffered a knee injury in pre-season training that will delay his debut for the club.

The prop, who arrived at Ulster from Premiership club Worcester Warriors, will now miss nine months after undergoing surgery to repair what has been confirmed by Ulster as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Unfortunate news for Gareth Milasinovich, who sustained an ACL tear in training.

Gareth has been scheduled for surgery to have this repaired and he will be sidelined for approximately nine months.

Wishing him a speedy recovery! pic.twitter.com/s3ugyy4xLc

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) July 17, 2019

The 26-year-old South African born prop whose's grandfather played for Ulster had been expected to provide tight-head competition for Marty Moore but will have to wait some time to make his mark on the side.

Ulster had a similar situation with Springbok flanker Marcell Coetzee when he arrived in 2016 and had to wait until February before first showcasing the talent that has since seen him become a stalwart in the Guinness PRO14 and has since been recalled to the Springbok squad and is set to make his return to test rugby this weekend against the Wallabies.